Veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment, often chosen for their ability to dramatically improve the appearance of teeth. The durable ceramic material can cover discoloration, chips, minor misalignment, and gaps, resulting in a bright, uniform smile. But many patients wonder: If I have veneers, can I still get cavities? It’s a great question, and the answer is important for anyone considering or already wearing veneers.
What Exactly Are Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. While they’re incredibly strong and stain-resistant, veneers are cosmetic in nature – they do not replace or strengthen the natural tooth entirely, like a dental implant, for instance.
This means your underlying tooth structure is still very much present and still vulnerable to decay.
Veneers Don’t Decay, But Your Teeth Still Can
One of the most important things to understand is that the veneer itself cannot develop a cavity, but the tooth behind it can. A veneer only covers the front of the tooth, leaving the sides, back, and gumline exposed to plaque and bacteria. If oral hygiene isn’t maintained, decay can form around or under the veneer, particularly at the margin where the veneer meets the natural tooth.
Risk Factors for Cavities Under Veneers
There are several reasons cavities can still occur, even with veneers:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Inconsistent brushing and flossing can lead to plaque buildup, which leads to tooth decay.
- Improper Veneer Placement: If a veneer isn’t bonded properly or doesn’t fit snugly, it can leave space for bacteria to get underneath.
- Gum Recession: As gums recede with age or from brushing too hard, more of the natural tooth is exposed, increasing the risk of decay.
- High-Sugar Diet: Frequent consumption of sugary snacks or drinks can promote cavities. Sugar mixes with the bacteria in your mouth to produce acid, which eats away at enamel and exposes your tooth.
How to Prevent Cavities When You Have Veneers
Luckily, keeping your veneers and natural teeth healthy doesn’t require anything out of the ordinary. It just takes consistency in:
- Brushing twice a dayfor two minutes and flossing daily to remove food particles and plaque between teeth and along the gumline.
- Avoiding hard or sticky foods that can damage veneers or increase the risk of decay.
- Limiting sugar and acidic drinks, which can wear down enamel.
- Visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and exams. Your dentist can spot early signs of trouble, check the integrity of the veneers, and recommend treatments if needed.
Veneers are a fantastic option for enhancing your smile, but they don’t make you immune to cavities. Good oral hygiene, regular dental care, and healthy habits are the key to keeping both your veneers and natural teeth in great shape for years to come!
About the Practice
If you’re thinking about getting veneers, our team at Dalton Hunt Dentistry will completely customize your treatment plan according to your goals. We’ll outfit you with lifelike porcelain dental materials and help you realize your dreams with flexible financing available through CareCredit. If you need to learn more about how to care for your veneers, we can help there, too! Contact us today to schedule your appointment at (919) 787-8243 or visit us online.